Suzuki is partnering with the popular kykNET soapie Suidooster and the SA Film Academy to launch an exciting skills development project.
In conjunction with Suidooster and the SA Film Academy, Suzuki is starting a driving school for the television and film industry. The new Filmgro Driving Academy, which is based in Cape Town, was launched on Friday 16 November at Atlantic Studios in Milnerton, the home of the SA Film Academy and Suidooster.
“We are very proud of to be involved in this project as the vehicle sponsor,” says Megan MacDonald, Assistant PR and Marketing manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “Through the Filmgro Driving Academy, the students are to get their licences in the world’s top-selling sedan, the Dzire.”
Megan added that Suzuki’s motorcycle division is also looking to get involved with the project.
According to Seton Bailey, the head of the SA Film Academy, the main aim of this organisation is to drive growth and development.
“One of the biggest impediments to employment and career advancement in the film and television industries, especially for people from historically disadvantaged communities, is lacking a driver’s licence – or access to the finances and professional, accredited resources – in order to obtain one,” says Seton.
Suidooster’s spokesperson Wilmer Müller says that it is vital for the producers, crew and cast of the soapie to give back to their industry and also communities.
“It is amazing what difference a driver’s licence can make to someone’s future. Therefore, we want to drive growth in the television industry by empowering younger people to eventually become the leaders in this exciting industry, which is vital in growing the South African economy,” says Wilmer.
There is also interest from the media to expand this to magazines, newspapers, digital media and radio, since they are faced with the same challenges with young talent who can’t be appointed in permanent positions because they don’t have driver’s licences.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Suzuki Dzire cost in South Africa?
The Suzuki Dzire starts from around R269,900 for the base GL model, going up to R329,900 for the top-spec GLX automatic version, making it one of the most affordable sedans in SA.
Q: Is the Suzuki Dzire worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely, the Dzire offers exceptional value with its 67kW 1.2-litre engine, 4.4L/100km fuel consumption, and comprehensive warranty, making it perfect for budget-conscious buyers who need reliable transport.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Suzuki Dzire?
The Dzire delivers impressive fuel economy of 4.4L/100km combined, which translates to roughly 650km range on a single tank, making it ideal for South Africa's long distances and high petrol prices.
Q: What are the main problems with the Suzuki Dzire?
The Dzire is generally reliable, but some owners report minor issues with the CVT automatic transmission being sluggish and road noise at highway speeds, though these are hardly deal-breakers for the price point.
Q: How does the Suzuki Dzire compare to the Toyota Starlet sedan?
The Dzire offers more boot space at 378 litres versus the Starlet's 316 litres, plus better fuel economy, but the Starlet has stronger resale value and a more refined interior.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, definitely buy the Suzuki Dzire if you need an affordable, reliable sedan under R330,000 in South Africa. The best value is the GL manual at R269,900, which gives you everything you need including air conditioning, electric windows, and that brilliant fuel economy. Sure, it's not the flashiest car on the road, but with Suzuki's 5-year/200,000km warranty and service plan, plus running costs that won't break the bank, the Dzire makes perfect sense for first-time buyers, families on a budget, or anyone who values practicality over prestige. The fact that it's the world's top-selling sedan speaks volumes about its real-world appeal.
